Day One Thousand Two Hundred Thirty Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

There were signs of a recent occupation when we reached the village at the edge of the wilderness. But we didn’t realize just how much until we set out this morning.

One entire building was filled up with dead bodies, our attention drawn to it by a swarm of buzzing flies. A makeshift hospital I assumed, but Mr. Kagi called that into question when he observed that all of them wore the uniform of the army of the North. A detail that bore a more sinister connotation.

While Tomas and the Captain ranged ahead, picking a way for us off of the beaten path, Elijah walked with Mawuli.

Mr. Kagi and I marveled at the depth of the lad’s understanding.

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Day One Thousand One Hundred Nineteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Tomas was dispatched to the north this morning to pinpoint the whereabouts of the army of the world government – especially those units operating in the vicinity of Babylon.

The Supreme Commander wants to knock out the artillery that has been compounding his problems. And perchance head off any further instances of the purple fog.

Consequently, Elijah and I have been restricted to our building. All for our safety of course, but I have more a sense that it insures the return of Tomas.

Strange, for I thought that the Supreme Commander was more confident in the loyalty of Tomas than of ours.

Perhaps it makes little difference for at base we are all hostages.

And we look for our deliverance.

Day Nine Hundred Forty One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The wind changed and was at our backs when we walked out of the wilderness into the village. The streets were deserted but we didn’t think it strange, given the time of day- early afternoon.

The only building not closed up was an inn on the main street. We entered and were greeted by the innkeeper. He remained friendly even after we said we would not be staying. When Elijah asked after the news of the day, a youngster sweeping the floor sidled away.

The innkeeper had just finished his account of police patrols combing the area for two strangers, when in burst five men who seized us.

As they placed us in their vehicle I saw the pesky villager.

Day Eight Hundred Seventy Eight #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah offered no word of explanation for his actions of yesterday. Of course I knew he would’t. I learned of his ‘heroics’ from the widows via Meesa. Their captors succumbed to a heavy slumber upon his entrance. A similar condition marked all of their guards, they noted, as he led them out of the building.

But our leader did want to talk about our imminent departure. And we will not have to plan a lot of things as to organization. For the local authorities, wanting to be quit of us, will be forcing everyone out.

The best we can do is to try to be ready. And Jezer is already hard at work on that front.

I am assisting him.

Day Eight Hundred Twenty #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We divided our attention today between watching our steps and observing the activity in the skies over the megapolis. The ground was uneven, so at times treacherous. Hence our caution. But the presence of fleets of drones and circling warplanes over the city were a another source of concern.

Quasimo thinks we have no need  to worry.  He was certain that they are celebrating his “successful” assassination of Elijah and myself. Even if he had to bring down the building to accomplish that end. (Though he joked that Stan would not be above charging him for the value of the structure).

I just hope we can make it out of the area before they ascertain that our bodies aren’t there.

Day Four Hundred Ninety Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We made some unsettling discoveries after the truck sighting. It effected our choice of shelter and our security consciousness.

Detritus in front of one building led us to surmise that the truck had been positioned outside. We entered. In Elijah’s evaluation it was a temple of some kind. I had the same thought, but was puzzled at its barrenness. But then with that truck, its contents could have been carted away easily.

Then around in a candle lit alcove the image of Stan looked benignly down upon us.

We left immediately and looked for a place to rest far away from that edifice.

A fitful day passed with frequent watch changes.

Come night we shook its dust from our feet.

Day Three Hundred Ninety #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We slipped out of the city in the middle of the night. Elijah, the Purser’s family and myself. Not through either gate. But over the wall via the rooftop of an adjoining building.

Elijah and I have some valuable experience in this regard from our first days together.

We stumbled about a good deal until we discovered at last the road leading to the interior. From there on it was an easy march for all.

We halted at the same place that Mary, the children and I stopped four days ago.  

Neither Elijah nor I know which direction we should go next. The Purser is all for striking out straight ahead. But we all agreed to await the Spirit’s leading.

Day Three Hundred Five #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

It’s been a long and trying day. But I must say it was worse for those attempting to harm us.

It started early. Before we were awake. But the crashing sounds of the assault fixed that.

Still, by the time we opened our door to look, it had fallen silent again. It took several minutes before we could ascertain what had happened. The stairwells at both ends of our floor were clogged with dead bodies. All trampled.

From our room we called down to Stan to come and remove the bodies. For answer we received some bricks through the windows.

Little by little bodies were dragged from the building. And a new perimeter was set up.

Four days no more.

Day Three Hundred Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We bid Elam goodbye and God speed, as we sent him off with the last group of those wanting to get out of the city.

Elijah advised him to tell Sy to move everyone beyond the wall, and explained how to do it.

We passed the day out walking in the streets. The crowds are gone. We only encountered workers, and they were easily outnumbered by the ever present soldiers.

We were unwelcome at every turn, yet they feared to oppose our movements.

Stan appeared when we returned to our quarters, and we watched as they put a cordon in place around the building.

Their obvious plan is to hold us in place for the next six days and beyond.

Day Two Hundred Ninety Nine afternoon #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Enoch writes:

Elam easily brought us to the building where we were all last together. Or what was left of it.

I sensed Elijah was no where near, but Elam insisted upon looking through the rubble. It was a fruitless search.

We marched away despite Elam’s exhaustion. I didn’t want to wait around for that woman.

Ten days to go.